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By now most of you have seen the following video or another version of it. It shows the performance of an illusion dubbed, The Dropping Head Trick. It became quite popular with pranksters. It also became popular with magic builders who were out to make some extra money. Donít bother with those, you can make your own by the time you finish reading this post, and you can make it for free. The coats that make the illusion work can be any open jacket or even a shirt. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBXkH8oIHkc2013-04-09 08.15.07.jpg

The secret has now been changed so much that there are way too many versions. I can offer you this video of a child on youtube showing how he does it. The better ones are done very similar. *There are plenty of videos showing both the performance and the secret, if you need more, just search for them on youtube.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-aYnyBKObk

I thought since there is a head that lowers, why not have a head that is completely removed using the same method? So, using a full-head mask the performer can pull off his head from his shoulders and hold it on his outstretched hand, completely away from his body. 2013-04-09 08.15.44.jpg

In my drawing, the real head of the performer is actually inside the coat below the wire frame (any wire hanger will work) and hidden from view. The wire frame, like in the how to video, will need a little alteration. Add two curved wires (like half of a basketball hoop) and have these form the very top of the chest. The mask sits on top of his (fake) shoulders, held in place by his hands. The real head lowers after the mask is pulled over it, this should only take a second. Cut a slit in the back of your mask so the real head falls out easier.

Once your real head is hidden from view, your fake head is free to move almost anywhere. You can even carry it like the headless horseman.